Signaling device for motion-picture machines



Feb. 7, 1928.

A. COSTA SIGNALING DEVICE FOR MOTION PICTURE MACHINES Filed Oct. 3 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet Z M m m v .m. M w 4 W M r W Md mm Q m MN MW 5 1,658,707 A. COSTA SIGNALING DEVICE FOR MOTION PICTURE MACHINES Filed Oct. 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 W! hm W q. in I llllllllllllllllll" W m In W m I I 5111120114702 \I fllzffwg flwfa issue? PATiEii-T ANTHOI TY CUETA, F DONDE-A, PENNSYLVA SIGHALING DEVICE FOR lrIOTZOlI-PIGTUBE MACHINES.

A clication filed Beteber 31 1923. Serial No. 61 139? .a l I lin invention relates to improvements in a signaling mechanism for motion picture apparatus.

In the exhibition of motion pictures, it is the custom to employ two motion picture machines so that when the reel from a magazine on one machine has been unwound a second reel can be exhibited without a delay on the other machine. Considerable inconveniences have been encountered in the past by reason of the fact that the operator is notinformed and sometimes does not know just when one reel is substantially unwound so as to prepare to use the second machine, the curtain often going entirely blank.

It is, an object of this invention to provide a signaling means or a simple and compact construction adapted to give a visible signal when the reel in a magazine is about unwound, thus informing the operator that the film is near an end.

With the foregoing object in mind the invention preferably comprises signaling mechanism which can be attached with ease to any standard magazine without substantially altering or changing the construction thereof, and which when applied oii'ers no projecting or protruding parts, which impair the operation of the machine.

The invention furthermore contemplates a signaling device wherein a movable flap in the magazine is adapted to throw a switch when the reel is nearing its end to permit current from the usual house wiring to pass through the switch elements and operate a signal such as a li ht, a bell, or both.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which Figure 1 represents a diagrammatic showing of the device;

Figure 2 is a detail view of the reel with the switch operating mechanism applied; and,

Figure 3 is a detail View of the switch mechanism.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings wherein like r terence characters indicate corresponding parts, the numeral 1 designates the magazine of a motion picture apparatus. This magazine has the usual film receiving shaft 2 about which film 3 is wound. The magazine is also formed with the film opening 4 for the exit of the film to pass on to the projecting apparatus. It will be appreciated that in motion picture apparatus it is desirous to give a continuous exhibition and as soon as the him from one machine is unwound it is the practice to use the lilm from a second and adjacent magazine. It is highl} de irable. however. to provide a signal to iniorm the operator just when a film nearing its end, as the iilni is totally enclosed i: the magazine and hidden from the view of the operator. This invention comprises a si naling means for accomplishing these e1 l Disposed within the magazine 1 is a circuit controller 5, cC-Il'i'Ol'iSilig a pivoted arm attached to a plate 1; o a pivot pin '7, which plate is bolted to the perip ieral portion of the magazine 1 by the bolts Th plate carries a right angle extension 9, which when in the position shown in Figure 2 is in engagement with the contact bolted in posi tion by the bolts 11 and connected with the wire 12. The plate 6 is connected with a wire 13 in circuit with a battery and witch in a manner to he later described. As the film is unwound and when it reaches the position shown in Figure 2, a contact is made permitting the current to pass on to a switch mechanism to be now described. A hand operated switch 14- is provided for the purpose oi establishing communication be ween the battery 15 and the wires 12 and 13 when the flap 5 is lowered to a switch making position. Thus, when this flap is lowered the current passes from the pivot through the switch is: which is thrown to a closed position and remains in such position until otherwise shifted through the line 13, through the line 12, through the line 1-5 to a series of magnets 17 and thence through the line 18 back to the battery. It is therefore apparent that the magnets 17 are energized and when so ener gized they attract the armature 19 pivoted at the point 20 to a suitable support and causing a closing of the signaling circuit as will be described.

The signaling mechanism comprises a light 21, or if desirable, a bell can be substituted in lieu thereof or both a light and a bell can be used.

The signaling element is mounted in casin which casing also houses and supports a the magnets 17 and the pivoted armature 19. Any form of casing can be employed is found most desirable.

The electr cal energy for the signaling element 21 may be the usual house current and is, of course, independent and distinct of the current obtained from the battery 15.

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The current travels through the line 23, which enters the housing 22, passes through said housing and to the signaling element 21, r

The circuit is completed by thelineQwhich leads to a switch 25 which contacts with the switch 26 on the movable armature 19' when this armature is attracted, the switchQS being connected with the lead wire 27 leading ofi to any suitable point of connection.

The armaturelQ is maintained normally in an outstanding position by the tension of the spring 29, and is only attracted when the circuit maker 5 in the magazine drops, causing the magnets 17 to be energizedjand drawing the armature 19 to a closed position. This brings the switch elements 25 .andzflti in to contact permitting thecurrent to passto the signaling device 21. This, ofcourse, in formsthe operator that thereel 3 issubstan tially at. its end. and that he must prepare to use the second machine it pictures are' to continue to-be exhibited. The signaling element may remain lighted until the hinge flap .or arm5 is shifted to break contact with the-switch point, 10, or the hand switch 1 operated to openthe light circuit.

In the drawings I have shown the lead wires 30 and31 and it will be appreciated that these wires are connected to a second magazine. The mechanical switch 14 is'a two way switch so thatwhen a magazine is. being used the switch bar'is shiftedlto put this particularmagaz ne in circuit with other battery.-f A's-the construction of the second magazine will obviously be the same as that disclosed, a detail description thereof will notbe necessary. v

flaring thus describedmy invention, what I claim is:

In a device, of. the type described, a sup port, a hinge plate carriedby and electrically. insulated from the support, a, controllerarin having a. hinge plate at one end connectedj to the former hinge plate by a pivot pin, an electric contact. carried by the supportbelow the first-mentioned hinge plate and insu lated from the support, right angular e: tension-carried by the'hinged end of the cont-roller-armand adapted, to engage and.

disengage-theelectric contact, when the controller arm isfraised andlowered, and circuit wiresconnected tothe hinge plate and contact carriedby the-support.

In testimony whereof I aftix my, signature.

ANTHONY cos ne; 

